Best damn cheesecake, period,

Culinary crumbs and gastronomic gossip

Tools

"I can build anything you can come up with," challenges Chef Robert Lemoine of KrumbzTasty Cakes & Pastries (321 N. Tejon St.), which opened last week inside the old Tejon Street Market. The Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy-trained craftsman isn't kidding: His Web site, chefrobs.com, displays from-scratch cakes featuring such fully edible toppers as a Jeep, a battleship scene and even a set from the video game Diablo II.

Lemoine creates sculptured and custom cakes for special occasions in addition to stocking his own display case. Pastries are available Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 or 5 p.m., depending on early business demands.

During a drop-in on day three, Lemoine told us that among other specialties, he's got the best cheesecake around ... and, well, naturally one thing led to another ... and, um, yeah. It's pretty friggin' good. Call 238-2009 for more.

Cork 'n pork

Dirk Stamp from TheWine Seller in Monument will reveal which wines and beers best complement barbecue at "BBQ, Brews and Vino." At 7 p.m. on June 15, at Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (304 U.S. Hwy 105, Palmer Lake), $25 will purchase dinner from Monument's Bayou BBQ and the drink tasting, to include Grenache-based wines and local and international beers. Reserve a seat at 488-3019.

Touch of flame

Colorado Steak Company (1645 Briargate Pkwy.) is offering outdoor grilling and smoking classes from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June 20 and 27. Attendees will sample meats, fish and vegetables and receive store coupons. The shop specializes in natural and organic meats, as well as antibiotic-, hormone- and pesticide-free seafood. Each class costs $65; call 599-0077 for more or visit costeak.com.

Leave it to Beavers

For those still clamoring for Sencha food: Brent Beavers, now of The Village at Skyline,will put together four courses with wine June 21 at Hillside Gardens & Nursery (1006 S. Institute St.). It's the Colorado Springs Assets for Youth Summer Sizzle VIP dinner, benefitting "positive youth development."

The dinner begins at 5 p.m. with cocktails, followed by salsa lessons and seven-piece Latin band at 7. The cost for both events is $85, or $30 ($35 day-of) for just dancing. Call 635-8300 for more or visit csay.org.

Send the word on new menus, upcoming special dinners or events, and general food-related news to scene@csindy.com.